Ann Wright said “the Trump administration’s claim that it assassinated Gen. Qassem Soleimani to prevent imminent attacks is another lie, similar to the lies of the Bush administration on weapons of mass destruction in Iraq” (“Trump’s attack on Iran based on more lies,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Jan. 7).

Intelligence provides pieces of a puzzle from many different sources. The president, with his advisers, must connect the dots, which are time-perishable, or ask for more “actionable intelligence.” In the case of Soleimani, any delay could have resulted in losing the “target of opportunity” altogether.

Remember, intelligence does not always provide complete pictures. Intelligence is not always perfect or timely.

As shown by events after the death of Soleimani, President Donald Trump did the right thing to stop further imminent attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq. It’s up to Iran now to work out a peace plan with the U.S. and our allies.

Russel Noguchi

Pearl City

Self-serving actions not in U.S. interests

This is a warning to my fellow Americans. President Donald Trump is diverting our focus away from his impeachment by deliberately promoting war and hatred against our nation.

Once again, he is putting his personal interest above everyone else’s. Do not be deceived by this self-serving charlatan.

The timing of his attack on Gen. Qassem Soleimani is related to what really concerns him: his impeachment. I submit that he should be removed from office and put behind bars, because he intentionally withheld $350 million approved by Congress for Ukrainian military assistance against our common adversary: Russia.

This second-rate flim-flam man did not do so to eradicate Ukrainian corruption. He is neither so noble, nor stupid. He did so to gain personal advantage in our next election by bartering this defense assistance for dirt on political adversary Joe Biden.

Stuart N. Taba

Manoa

Legalize recreational cannabis in Hawaii

Recreational use of cannabis should be legalized. There are now 11 states that have legalized recreational marijuana: Alaska, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington plus the District of Columbia, Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.

Why legalize cannabis? Hawaii wastes millions of dollars harming and disrupting the lives of tens of thousands of families. The prohibition of marijuana has been unnecessarily cruel and racist. It’s time to totally decriminalize and legalize pot in Hawaii.

Too much money is invested in arrests, court costs and incarceration of pot users — all based upon a disproved “reefer madness” mentality. Arrests dramatically alter lives and families.

Hawaii needs to immediately pardon all non-violent pot convictions. Think of the money Hawaii would save and the number of lives that would be made whole. Forget about the revenue benefits of legalization. It’s the right thing to do.

In mid-2001, Mr. Balfour gave the go-ahead with little hesitation when the Moanalua Gardens Community Association (MGCA) asked his permission to build the very first City and County dog park next to the Moanalua Recreation Center.

Ronald E. Jones, then president of the MGCA, wanted to fill the serious need for an area where dogs would be safely contained and allowed to have fun, exercise and socialize with other dogs.

Balfour had a practical approach. He said the MGCA could have a dog park if the MGCA would do the work involved in building and servicing it. Thanks to the leadership of MGCA volunteers Betty and Clayton Kamida, the dream became a reality and the Moanalua Dog Park, named “Ilio Hau‘oli Paka,” had a grand opening and was dedicated on Feb. 2, 2004.

We all appreciated Balfour’s ability to say “maybe” instead of “no” and his way of getting our off-leash dog park built.

Patricia S. Jones

Former MGCA secretary

Moanalua

Neglected Natatorium should be restored

I just returned from Honolulu, where I enjoyed the holidays. We return often and stay in Waikiki near the Natatorium War Memorial.

It saddens me to see this iconic and historic structure neglected by such a rich international and metropolitan city such as Honolulu. Surely private and public funds can be found to restore this site to its glory days. Once restored, it could be opened as a public pool as well as the location for swimming competitions and featured water entertainment venues such as synchronized swimming.

You have the money and technology to build tunnels, highways, highrises and more. Surely the current memorial is an eyesore and somewhat of an embarrassment to the city, her residents and politicians.

Steve Mathis

Los Angeles

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